downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog
UPDATE
Back in December I reported on the construction activity at 609 W 6th. It appears that Walton’s could be open any day now. The doors were locked so here are some photos from behind the windows. I dig the bistro furniture and old-fashioned look.
This will be a great addition to West 6th. Another perspective…
Here is an intriguing idea courtesy of Carole Strayhorn!
1) Build a medical school, 2) enhance the medical/bio-tech industry in Austin, 3) create jobs, 4) create revenue for the city.
“This Council Spent $2.3 Billion for Biomass Energy in Nacogdoches. For less than half that cost, we could build this medical school, create $1.5 billion a year in revenue, and create 14,400 permanent jobs.”
If built in close proximity to Brackenridge, which I assume it would be, this could bring much needed life to the northeastern quadrant of downtown Austin.
Refreshingly, this makes good sense.
[youtube = http://youtube.com/watch?v=8YWXbGgUJ1o]
Imagine you work in Austin, but you live in San Antonio. Rather than enduring Interstate 35 each morning, in a more perfect world you would have a rail system that drops you off into a downtown terminal. Imagine if our city leaders could design a “Grand Central” of Austin. This short homemade video makes Austin appear to be an international city. It’s incredible to see the city come into view.
These days CapMetro can’t seem to tie its own shoes. I do hear Amtrak is getting stimulus money, though.
link [via skyscraperpage]
[youtube = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keuJmAFHb0o]
Continuing this week’s theme of apartment reviews…
404 Rio Grande is the oft neglected apartment complex in the core of downtown Austin. (Gmap) It doesn’t evoke the same reaction as the Monarch or AMLI on 2nd. Still, 404 Rio Grande, at the corner of West 5th and Rio Grande, has one of the best locations in downtown Austin. The rents are cheaper, too. Unlike the new high rises parking is included for you and your guests.
Don’t expect the finishes to be similar to Monarch, its next door neighbor. It would be easy to frown upon 404 Rio Grande’s faux-hardwood-laminate flooring and white appliances while paying a substantial rent. Washer and dryer are not included. Still, the loft style design of AMLI is not preferred by everyone, and 404 Rio Grande’s units are cozy – ultimately you are paying for location.
So, if your budget or desires don’t call for a 24-hour concierge or loft-like design, you might consider 404 Rio Grande. After incentives, which constantly change at every building, one-bedrooms begin around $1300 and two-bedrooms around $1900. The biggest challenge for a renter interested in 404 Rio Grande is availability. 404 Rio Grande has been fully occupied for a couple of years so, unlike the new high rises, availability depends on someone moving out.
If you are considering a move downtown, feel free to give me a call!
Jude Galligan, Downtown Austin Realtor
judegalligan [@] gmail.com
(512) 226-3414
